By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer
One well-timed, perfectly-executed play can charge the team, open up the offense and ultimately change the game's outcome. And fans eagerly anticipate those thrilling moments when their team capitalizes.
Detroit Lions wide receiver CALVIN JOHNSON and Philadelphia Eagles running back LE SEAN MC COY electrified their teams, fan bases and NFL stadiums last season as they registered the most 20-yard receptions and 20-yard rushes, respectively. Johnson recorded 32 receptions of 20 yards or more while McCoy registered 14 rushes of at least 20 yards.
Eagles head coach ANDY REID notes that while McCoy's production is a reflection of his true ability, notable runs are dependent upon each teammate carrying out his individual assignment.
"It is a compliment to LeSean and the guys blocking around him," Reid says about the big-play ability of McCoy, who became the fifth Eagle to top 1,000 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons. "The receivers had a couple of nice downfield blocks as well so it was a joint effort. LeSean is tough to bring down one-on-one. He has tremendous quickness and lateral mobility."
The top five "big play" receivers and rushers in 2011:
Most 20+ Yard Receptions
| Player, Team | 20+ | Long | Rec | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL | |||||
| Calvin Johnson, Det. | 32 | 73t | 96 | 1,681 | 16 |
| Steve Smith, Car. | 29 | 77t | 79 | 1,394 | 7 |
| Victor Cruz, NYG | 25 | 99t | 82 | 1,536 | 9 |
| Larry Fitzgerald, Ari. | 25 | 73t | 80 | 1,411 | 8 |
| Rob Gronkowski, NE | 22 | 52t | 90 | 1,327 | 17 |
Most 20+ Yard Rushes
| Player, Team | 20+ | Long | Att | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL | |||||
| LeSean McCoy, Phi. | 14 | 60 | 273 | 1,309 | 17 |
| Matt Forte, Chi. | 12 | 46 | 203 | 997 | 3 |
| Frank Gore, SF | 11 | 55 | 282 | 1,211 | 8 |
| Chris Johnson, Ten. | 11 | 48t | 262 | 1,047 | 4 |
| Michael Turner, Atl. | 11 | 81t | 301 | 1,340 | 11 |
| DeAngelo Williams, Car. | 11 | 74t | 155 | 836 | 7 |
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